Clinical trials on the use of whitening strips in children and adolescents.

Vital tooth bleaching is becoming increasingly popular. Both professionally supervised and over-the-counter tooth whitening systems are being utilized. Recently, a tooth whitening system became available where a gel containing hydrogen peroxide was delivered via a flexible polythene strip. Three clinical trials were conducted using whitening strips to treat tooth discoloration on 132 children and adolescents. Results indicated the strip bleaching system to be an effective means for tooth whitening. Minimal sensitivity was associated with this whitening system, with most of the reported sensitivity being noted as mild. All sensitivity was relieved upon discontinuance of the whitening agent.